Weather Blog: March Weather 'Clipping' Along

Thank you for stopping by the Weather Watch 12 Blog! Those hoping for a repeat of March 2012 with record shattering warmth may want to look elsewhere, as cool and unsettled weather looks to continue its rule.

More unsettled weather in the form of light snow and flurries is expected Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night. On and off snow showers will lead to a trace to half inch of snow in parts of our area. Best chance for the snow to stick will be closer to sunset time and later. The sun's radiation can sneak through clouds, and with a higher sun angle much of the afternoon snow should melt on contact.

As the disturbance slips east a pocket of cold March air will grip the upper Midwest and Great Lakes. Average highs in Milwaukee are now in the low 40s, the forecast temperature map below at 1pm Wednesday shows 20s and 30s over much of Wisconsin. Keep in mind last year at this time highs were in the 60s and 70s.

The coldest air gets nudged east on Thursday as clipper system #1 takes aim at southern Wisconsin. The first clipper arrives Thursday afternoon with a chance of rain or snow showers. The NAM computer model forecast at 1pm Thursday keeps the system closer to the U.S. and Canadian border. Right now a chance of rain, a mix, or snow is in the forecast Thursday afternoon and evening as I think the forecast below takes the low a little too far north.

Slightly milder air should get pushed into our area with clipper system #2 on Friday or early Saturday. Highs should jump into the 40s on southwest winds for Friday. The GFS computer model forecast below is valid at 7pm Friday indicating a chance of rain showers. As colder air spills in on the backside of the system, a change to snow showers is possible by Saturday.

The most active part of the weather pattern with the greatest precipitation producers from previous cycles start to repeat starting early next week. Keep an umbrella and snow shovel ready, the unsettled weather will lead to rain and snow chances. And certainly don't give up on winter as more snow accumulation is likely the second half of March.

For the latest weather information watch WISN 12 News, and for updates throughout the day follow me on Twitter @jnelsonweather